This week has been another week of celebrating the success of Sheffield people and exactly what Sheffield and Sheffielders are about.

Students graduating from Sheffield University this week

Graduation

I was able to celebrate with the young people of Sheffield University who graduated. It was good to see so many people with their new degrees although I acknowledge it’s hard at the moment in terms of the economic climate. One thing I am certain about is that with a University of Sheffield degree they will make significant contributions, not only to the city, but to our society as well.

Our Economy

The economy is very important at the moment, and I sat down for a general review with the Chamber of Commerce to discuss the city’s economy, and from a Chamber of Commerce perspective how the City can help businesses in the present economic climate. We particularly talked about our role in supporting manufacturing.

2018 World Cup Bid – Sheffield Back the Bid

Sheffield children back the bid

I would like every Sheffielder to go on the website www.sheffield2018.co.uk to register your support as we launch the 2018 World Cup bid. The World Cup is such a big sporting event, and I was pleased that we are looking to be a host city for the England 2018 bid. The delegation that came to have a look was very impressed with what Sheffield has got to offer and we now have to build on this.

It was brilliant being with the youngsters, who are the future, and who clearly will benefit from the World Cup.

City back the bid

Out about about in local communities

Talking to local residents in Darnall

I went to Darnall to speak the local Bangladeshi Community who have got problems with their community building. I listened to their concerns and tried to find a way forward to ensure that this city is a city where everyone matters, and the Bangladeshi community, like all communities in Sheffield, can flourish and meet their full potential. I have promised to go back to them in the near future.

Sheffield Wheel provides a backdrop to our first ever Music Festival

Reaching new heights!

One of the things about being Leader is that sometimes you have to do things that you may not wish to do, and my fear of heights is something that I have had to get over this week, as I launched the 197 feet or 60 metre Wheel of Sheffield . I had a wonderful interview with Charlotte, from Look North, the problem was that we were both scared of heights and therefore the interview was somewhat a nervy experience for both of us. However, from the top there are some brilliant views of this great, great city, and I know that will be an attraction for visitors and locals alike to see their city from a very different perspective.

Training and Skills for Sheffield people

I had a Board Meeting this week of Creative Sheffield, which is the economic board for the city to deliver jobs and prosperity. Key issues we have looked at were training and skills and how Sheffield can really begin to move forward its training and skills.

No to bus cuts

I also met with senior managers from First Bus Group this week to talk about how the Council will not sanction bus cuts and service changes within the city. I think it is very important that at a time of economic uncertainty like this, that we have a bus service that is clearly meeting the needs of Sheffielders. It was an important meeting and I made it very clear that we would not support any reduction in the total bus coverage within Sheffield as a City Council.

Crowd at Devonshire Green

Music City

Over the weekend Sheffield really did showcase itself

'Just Jack' perform for the crowd

to the world, with a superb music festival in cooperation with Tramlines. I saw many of the events, and walking around town on Saturday and Sunday the buzz was absolutely phenomenal. People were friendly, particularly on Saturday basking in the sunshine and listening to the free music and events throughout the city. It really shows what Sheffield can achieve when it raises its game and that Sheffielders are really up for showing their city off to the world.